RESUMO O gesso é utilizado na agricultura para o fornecimento de nutrientes ao sistema solo-planta, aumento da profundidade do sistema radicular das culturas e, também, para mitigar os efeitos do estresse hídrico nas plantas. No entanto, seu uso indiscriminado pode levar à redução do conteúdo de nutrientes catiônicos da superfície do solo, principalmente o potássio. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a viabilidade da utilização de gesso, associado à aplicação de potássio, no cultivo de couve-flor, cultivar Sharon. O experimento foi conduzido em esquema fatorial 5×5, sendo avaliadas cinco doses de K (0, 100, 180, 240 e 360 kg ha−1 de K2O) e cinco doses de gesso (0, 500, 1.000, 2.000 e 4.000 kg ha−1) no delineamento em blocos completos casualizados, com três repetições. Foram determinados os teores foliares de N, P, K, Ca, S, Mg, B, Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn e a massa comercial da cabeça, o diâmetro da cabeça, o diâmetro do pedúnculo e a altura da cabeça. A aplicação de 360 kg ha−1 de K2O resultou no aumento de 29,69% no teor foliar de K e 18,94% na massa comercial da cabeça, em relação à dose de 0 kg ha−1 de K2O. A aplicação da dose máxima de gesso, resultou na redução dos teores foliares de enxofre (14,71%) e manganês (25,11%) e, aumento dos teores foliares de cobre (16,97%). Com base nos resultados observados, conclui-se que para a cultura da couve-flor, as doses de gesso e K2O recomendadas são de, respectivamente, 4.000 e 360 kg ha−1.

ABSTRACT Gypsum is widely used in agriculture to supply nutrients to the soil-plant system. However, the excessive use of gypsum may lead to a reduction of cationic soil nutrients such as potassium in the most superficial soil layer. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using gypsum and potassium for cauliflower crop nutritional status and commercial production. The experiment was conducted in 5×5 factorial scheme, corresponding to five K doses (0, 100, 180, 240, 360 kg ha−1 of K2O) and five gypsum doses (0, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 kg ha−1) in dystrophic Red Latosol. Leaf N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn contents, commercial head mass, diameter and height and peduncle diameter were evaluated. The application of 360 kg ha−1 of K2O resulted in 29.69% more K in cauliflower leaf and 18.94% more commercial head mass compared to the non-application of K. The application of 4000 kg ha−1 of gypsum resulted in reductions of leaf S and Mn and increase in leaf Cu. Based on the results observed, 4000 kg ha−1 of gypsum and 360 kg ha−1 K2O could be required for high cauliflower production.

Abstract Objective Our study aims to synthesize, characterize, and determine the effects of a ChNPs suspension on human enamel after cariogenic challenge via pH-cycling. Methodology ChNPs were synthesized by ion gelation and characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Dynamic Light Scattering. Forty enamel blocks were divided into four groups (n=10/group): (i) ChNPs suspension; (ii) chitosan solution; (iii) 0.05% sodium fluoride (NaF) solution; and (iv) distilled water. Specimens were exposed to cariogenic challenge by cycling in demineralization solution (3 h) and then remineralized (21h) for 7 days. Before each demineralization cycle, the corresponding solutions were passively applied for 90 s. After 7 days, specimens were examined for surface roughness (Ra) and Knoop hardness (KHN) before and after the cariogenic challenge; % KHN change (variation between initial and final hardness), and surface topography by an optical profilometer. The data were analyzed by repeated-measures ANOVA, One-way ANOVA, and Tukey tests (α=0.05). Results TEM images showed small spherical particles with diameter and zeta potential values of 79.3 nm and +47.9 mV, respectively. After the challenge, all groups showed an increase in Ra and a decrease in KHN values. Optical profilometry indicated that ChNPs- and NaF-treated specimens showed uneven roughness interspersed with smooth areas and the lowest %KHN values. Conclusion The ChNPs suspension was successfully synthesized and minimized human enamel demineralization after a cariogenic challenge, showing an interesting potential for use as an oral formulation for caries prevention.

Resumo No Brasil, a medicalização do parto é apontada por diferentes autores e confirmada pelas estatísticas a respeito. Diante da importância deste tema, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo compreender a vivência do parto segundo relato de mulheres. Foram entrevistadas oito mulheres, de 23 a 32 anos, que tiveram pelo menos um filho pela rede pública de saúde por meio de roteiro semiestruturado. Os resultados apontaram a preferência pelo tipo de parto, o momento de ir para o hospital, a presença do acompanhante, o contato com o bebê no pós-parto, a falta de protagonismo feminino, o ambiente pouco acolhedor e a percepção sobre o atendimento. Foram apontados aspectos urgentes a serem revistos na assistência ao parto, como a falta de vínculo entre a mulher e a equipe de saúde e restrições em relação ao acompanhante, o que distancia a prática do que é definido como prioridade pela Política Nacional de Humanização.

Abstract In Brazil, many authors study the childbirth medicalization and the statics confirm it. This research aimed at learning about the childbirth experience by women attending in the public health system. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight womans, age 23-32 years, who gave birth in public health system was interviewed with semi-estructured script. The results showed preference of childbirth way, how the woman decided that was the moment to go to the hospital, the partner’s presence, lack of empowerment, professional assistance and the first contact with the newborn. The woman showed in their histories that something must to change immediately in the childbirth experience, like: the lack of link between the woman and the health team and restrictions about the partner’s presence. The reality is very different of the public policy.

BACKGROUND Although Mycobacterium leprae (ML) is well characterised as the causative agent of leprosy, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying peripheral nerve damage still need further understanding. In vitro and in vivo studies have yielded insights into molecular mechanisms of ML interaction with Schwann cells (SC), indicating the regulation of genes and proteins crucial to neural plasticity. OBJECTIVES We aimed to investigate the effect of ML on neurotrophins expression in human SC (hSC) and mice sciatic nerves to better understand their role in leprosy neuropathy, and aiming to contribute to future therapeutic approaches. METHODS We evaluated mRNA and protein expression of BDNF, NGF, NT-3, NT-4 in hSC from amputation nerve fragments, as well as in athymic nude mice, infected by ML for eight months. FINDINGS and MAIN CONCLUSIONS Our in vitro results showed a trend to decline in NGF and BDNF mRNA in ML-treated hSC, compared to controls. The immunodetection of BDNF and NT-4 was significantly downregulated in ML-treated hSC. Conversely, ML-infected mice demonstrated upregulation of NT-3, compared to non-infected animals. Our findings indicate that ML may be involved in neurotrophins regulation, suggesting that a pathogen-related imbalance of these growth factors may have a role in the neural impairment of leprosy.

Abstract Establishment of pregnancy after embryo transfer is the ultimate goal of an embryo transfer program and increasing pregnancy rates and reducing pregnancy loss are mandatory. The utilization of treatments to improve conception rates in recipient mares has been the focus of several research groups over the last years and the results are controversial. Some studies using human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) found promising results. Our hypothesis was that hCG administration would cause an additional stimulation on luteal function, uterine and luteal vascularization and progesterone concentration, and the mares would have increased uterine and cervix tone. Therefore, in the present study the effects of hCG administration to induce ovulation, on day 0 (day of ovulation) or day 5 postovulation were evaluated on corpus luteum characteristics, reproductive tract vascularization, and serum progesterone concentration from ovulation until day 15 postovulation. Groups were: G1: (control) - no hCG; G2: 2500 IU of hCG to induce ovulation when a follicle greater than 35mm and uterine edema were detected; G3: 2500 IU hCG on day 0; G4: 2500 IU hCG on day 5 postovulation. Twelve mares were randomly assigned to each group, during consecutive cycles, in a Latin Square experimental design, in a total of 48 cycles. Doppler ultrasound evaluations were performed daily from day 0 until day 15 postovulation, including mesometrial vascularity, endometrial vascularity and corpus luteum vascularity. Blood samples were collected for serum progesterone concentration. Data was analyzed using the Proc Glimmix SAS Procedure for nonparametric variables and Proc Mixed for parametric parameters. There was no treatment effect for all variables studied (P > 0.05). Characteristics were only affected by day (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that hCG administration at the time points suggested in the current study did not alter the characteristics evaluated.

Abstract The effect of fluoride agents on the retention of orthodontic brackets to enamel under erosive challenge is little investigated. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) and sodium fluoride (NaF) agents on the shear bond strength of brackets to enamel and on the enamel microhardness around brackets under erosive challenge. Methods: Brackets were bonded to bovine incisors. Five groups were formed according to fluoride application (n=10): TiF4 varnish, TiF4 solution, NaF varnish, NaF solution and control (without application). The specimens were submitted to erosive challenge (90 s cola drink/2h artificial saliva, 4x per day for 7 days). Solutions were applied before each erosive cycle and varnishes were applied once. Vickers Microhardness (VHN) was obtained before and after all cycles of erosion and the percentage of microhardness loss was calculated. Shear bond strength, adhesive remnant index and polarized light microscopy were conducted after erosion. The data were analyzed by ANOVA, Tukey, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests (α=0.05). Results: The %VHN had no statistically significant differences among the experimental groups. However, considering the comparisons of all groups with the control group, TiF4 varnish showed the highest protection from enamel demineralization (effect size of 2.94, while the effect size for the other groups was >2.4). The TiF4 varnish group had significantly higher shear bond strength compared to other groups. There was no difference among groups for adhesive remnant index. Polarized light microscopy showed higher demineralization depth for the control group. Conclusions: Application of NaF and TiF4 agents during mild erosive challenge minimized the enamel mineral loss around brackets, however only the experimental TiF4 varnish was able to prevent the reduction of shear bond strength of brackets to enamel.

The ferruginous rupestrian grasslands (FRG) in the Iron Quadrangle (IQ) are ecosystems characterized by rocky soils with reduced availability of water and nutrients, but high levels of metals. In order to comprehend the interference of microorganisms on the adaptive process of endemic plant Mimosa calodendrum (Fabaceae), bacteria associated with its roots and rhizosphere were isolated. Fourteen isolates were obtained and subsequently grown in the presence of different concentrations of arsenic (As) species. The isolate Mc250, an Alcaligenes faecalis strain, resisted to 10 mM of As (III) and 800 mM of As (V). In the presence of this strain, atomic spectrometer detected a reduction of 55% for As (III) and 72% for As (V) respectively in 10 mM and 500 mM solution. Scanning electron microscopy of this isolate demonstrated morphological modification and EDX spectroscopy revealed the presence of both As species adsorbed on the membrane, justifying the removal observed in the in vitro assays. To validate this potential removal of As in vivo, tomato plants were used as grown model in the presence and absence of A. faecalis in soil previously contaminated with 5 mM of As (III). After 14 days, plants from contaminated soil had their growth improved when compared to untreated control plants. All these results suggest for the first time that plant-associated bacteria from FRG-IQ present potential for soil rhizoremediation and may benefit the adaptive processes of plants in extreme environments including application in recovering degraded areas.

Abstract We describe a fifty-six-year old, Afro-descendent female patient showing dystrophy of her twenty nails and hyperchromic, asymptomatic macule on her face. Histopathological examination of the macule showed vacuolization of the basal layer, melanophages in the superficial dermis and lymphoplasmocytic inflammatory infiltrate. Nail biopsy revealed orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis and lichenoid inflammatory infiltrate. Lichen planus pigmentosus is an uncommon variety of lichen planus. It is characterized by typical hyperpigmented macules on the face and neck. Nail changes might be present in 10% of lichen planus cases, but no associations with lichen planus pigmentosus have been described. We report a case of lichen planus in twenty nails associated with lichen planus pigmentosus on the patient's face.

Resumo:O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar, na micobiota de Sagittaria montevidensis, espécies de fungos fitopatogênicos com potencial bioherbicida, bem como avaliar sua seletividade para a cultura do arroz irrigado. Foram avaliadas as espécies de fungos Fusarium oxysporum e F. semitectum da micobiota de S. montevidensis e seis níveis de concentração de esporos (0, 1x103, 1x104, 1x105, 1x106 e 1x107 esporos mL-1), aplicados sobre plantas de S. montevidensis em estádio de uma folha sagitada e sobre plantas de arroz no estádio de desenvolvimento R4. Avaliou-se a progênie da cultura. Os isolados de F. oxysporum e F. semitectum apresentaram maior incidência sobre as plantas de S. montevidensis; porém, não foram eficazes no controle da espécie quando aplicados no estádio de plântula com uma folha sagitada. A aplicação de F. oxysporum e F. semitectum na fase de floração das plantas de arroz irrigado causa perdas no rendimento, redução no vigor das sementes produzidas e redução no comprimento radicular e da parte área.

Abstract:The objective of this work was to identify, in the mycobiota of Sagittaria montevidensis, species of pathogenic fungi with potential to act as a bioherbicide, as well as to evaluate their selectivity for irrigated rice crop. The fungi species Fusarium oxysporumand F. semitectum of the mycobiota of S. montevidensis and six spore concentration levels (0, 1x103, 1x104, 1x105, 1x106, and 1x107 spores mL-1), applied on S. montevidensis plants in the stage of one sagittate leaf and on rice plants in the R4 growth stage, were assessed. The progeny of the culture was evaluated. Isolates of F. oxysporum and F. semitectum had greater impact on S. montevidensis plants; however, they were not effective in controlling the species when applied in the seedling stage with one sagittate leaf. The application of F. oxysporum and F. semitectum in the flowering stage of irrigated rice plants causes yield losses, reduction in the vigor of produced seeds, and reduction in root length and plant shoot.

Adições de dejetos de aviário podem promover melhorias nos atributos biológicos, físicos e químicos do solo. O presente estudo objetivou avaliar os efeitos de doses sequenciais de cama de peru nos atributos de solo sob pastejo rotacionado com Brachiaria decumbens L., em Portelândia (GO). O delineamento utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, em esquema de parcela subdividida, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos alocados nas parcelas foram doses de cama de peru [ausência de adubação; 8,7 Mg ha-1 (2008); 16,5 Mg ha-1 (2008 + 2009); 30,9 Mg ha-1 (2008 + 2009 + 2010)], sendo que as duas maiores doses resultaram do acúmulo das aplicações de dejeto. Como subparcelas, foram consideradas as profundidades amostradas (0-5 cm, 5-10 cm e 10-20 cm). Aplicações sequenciais de cama de peru promoveram melhorias na fertilidade do solo, com aumento de pH, P, K, saturação por bases e estoque de carbono orgânico, nitrogênio total e particulado e diminuição na saturação por alumínio. A aplicação de menores doses de cama de peru estimulou a atividade microbiana do solo, promovendo a mineralização da fração particulada da matéria orgânica, porém, não houve efeito na agregação do solo.

Poultry litter applications can improve biological, physical, and chemical soil attributes. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of sequential turkey litter doses on properties of soil under a rotational grazing system with Brachiaria decumbens L., in Portelândia, Goiás State, Brazil. The experiment was carried out in a split-plot randomized blocks design, with four replications. Treatments consisted of turkey litter doses [no litter, 8.7 Mg ha-1 (2008), 16.5 Mg ha-1 (2008 + 2009), and 30.9 Mg ha-1 (2008 + 2009 + 2010)], for plots, with the two highest doses resulting from the accumulation of litter applications, and three sampled soil depths (0-5 cm, 5-10 cm, and 10- 20 cm), for split-plots. Sequential applications of turkey litter doses improved soil fertility, increasing the pH, P, K, and base saturation rates, as well as organic carbon, total and particulate nitrogen contents, and decreasing aluminum saturation. Lower doses of turkey litter stimulated the soil microbial activity, promoting the mineralization of the organic matter particulate fraction, however, there was no effect on soil aggregation.

A fauna de borboletas do Bioma Mata Atlântica encontra-se razoavelmente conhecida até o início do limite sul da distribuição do mesmo. No Rio Grande do Sul, entretanto, ainda existem lacunas próximas à região central do estado, cujas áreas florestais são consideradas prioritárias para conservação biológica. Esse trabalho inventariou a assembléia de borboletas de um fragmento de mata ciliar numa região de ecótono entre Floresta Ombrófila Mista e Floresta Estacional Decidual, no município de Itaara. Durante o período de setembro de 2005 a setembro de 2006, num total de 105 horas-rede com uso do método de procura ativa, foram registradas 877 borboletas representando 104 espécies. Com o acréscimo posterior de mais três espécies, a riqueza total elevou-se para 107. As cinco espécies mais abundantes foram os Nymphalidae Hermeuptychia hermes (Fabricius, 1775), Yphthimoides celmis (Godart, [1824]), Agraulis vanillae maculosa (Stichel, [1908]), Tegosa claudina (Eschscholtz, 1821) e Vanessa braziliensis (Moore, 1883). Foram registradas uma nova espécie para o estado e quatro para a região central, além do Papilionidae sulino endêmico Euryades corethrus (Boisduval, 1836) e o Lycaenidae Arcas ducalis (Westwood, 1852), considerado indicador de áreas preservadas de Mata Atlântica. Devido à representatividade da fauna registrada, recomenda-se a necessidade de incrementar os esforços para a conservação da área e estimular novos estudos ecológicos com a biodiversidade local.

The butterfly fauna of the Atlantic Forest Biome is reasonably well-known up to the southern limit of its distribution. However, there are knowledge gaps nearby the central region of Rio Grande do Sul State, whose forest areas are considered priorities for biological conservation. This study investigated the butterfly assemblage of a riparian fragment in an ecotone area between Mixed Ombrophilous Forest and Seasonal Decidous Forest, in Itaara municipality. From September 2005 to September 2006, after 105 net-hours through active search sampling, 877 butterflies were registered representing 104 species. Three more species were registered posteriorly, increasing total richness to 107. The most abundant species were the Nymphalidae Hermeuptychia hermes (Fabricius, 1775), Yphthimoides celmis (Godart, [1824]), Agraulis vanillae maculosa (Stichel, [1908]), Tegosa claudina (Eschscholtz, 1821) and Vanessa braziliensis (Moore, 1883). One new record for the State and four new ones for the central region were registered besides the southern endemic Papilionidae Euryades corethrus (Boisduval, 1836) and the Lycaenidae Arcas ducalis (Westwood, 1852), considered indicator of Atlantic forest preserved areas. Due to the representativeness of the registered fauna, it is suggested the increase of conservation efforts in the area and stimulation of new ecological studies with the local biodiversity.

A paisagem da região dos Campos de Cima da Serra, localizada no Norte do Rio Grande do Sul, encontra-se fragmentada e sua biodiversidade ameaçada devido ao impacto das atividades humanas. Esse trabalho investigou a fauna de borboletas em fragmentos de vegetação nativa (VN) e área antrópica (AA) de Floresta Ombrófila Mista nos municípios de Soledade e Mormaço. Em 108 horas-rede, foram registradas 1.181 borboletas distribuídas em 125 espécies, através de procura ativa com rede entomológica. VN registrou 72 espécies e 470 indivíduos, enquanto AA apresentou 89 e 711, respectivamente. Heliconius erato phyllis (Fabricius, 1775), Biblis hyperia nectanabis (Fruhstorfer, 1909) e Dryas iulia alcionea (Cramer, 1779) foram as três espécies mais abundantes no geral e em AA, enquanto Strephonota elika (Hewitson, 1867), H. erato phyllis e Morpho helenor achillides C. Felder & R. Felder, 1867 foram as mais abundantes em VN. Trinta e três espécies constituem-se em novos registros para a Floresta Ombrófila Mista do Rio Grande do Sul. Os resultados mostram a contribuição de inventários relativamente rápidos de borboletas como fonte de subsídios para conservação de biodiversidade.

The landscape of Campos de Cima da Serra region, at North of Rio Grande do Sul State, is fragmented and its biodiversity threatened due the impact of human activities. This study investigated the butterfly fauna in fragments of Mixed Ombrophilous Forest native vegetation (VN) and anthropic area (AA) at Soledade and Mormaço municipalities. 1,181 butterflies were registered and distributed in 125 species, after 108 net-hours through active search sampling with entomological net. VN registered 72 species and 470 individuals, while AA had 89 and 711, respectively. Heliconius erato phyllis (Fabricius, 1775), Biblis hyperia nectanabis (Fruhstorfer, 1909) and Dryas iulia alcionea (Cramer, 1779) were the three most abundant species in general and in AA, while Strephonota elika (Hewitson, 1867), H. erato phyllis and Morpho helenor achillides C. Felder & R. Felder, 1867 were the most abundant in VN. Thirty-three species are considered new records for Mixed Ombrophilous Forest in Rio Gr ande do Sul State. The results show the contribution of butterfly rapid inventories as source of subsidies to biodiversity conservation.